Summer

Family Hiking in Gran Paradiso Range (Italy)

Established in 1920, the first Italian state preserved environment, Gran Pradiso National Park spreads across the Aosta valley and the Piémont region of northern Italy. Reaching the boarder with France and the French Vanoise National park, it can be accessed from one of the six alpine valleys starting in the Aosta valley, all of which lead to incredible summits and a wide network of hiking trails.

This remote alpine region is heightened by splendid larch forests, alpine meadows and further in the distance, the immaculate beauty of snow-covered peaks. Here, native flora and fauna cohabitate harmoniously. Saved from extermination only a century ago, the protected Ibex was naturally chosen as the Park’s emblem. The local Italian communities’ accent when speaking French is absolutely irresistible. Benvenuti nell Gran Paradiso !

During this unforgettable hike, we invite you and your family to discover some of the most beautiful belvederes and trails of the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Day 1 : REFUGE DE L'ÉPÉE Our first day’s hike starts from the hamlet of Uselières in Valgrisenche. Slowly, we gain altitude and soon after leaving the beautiful arolla pine forest we reach the alpine pastures not far to the Epée mountain hut. Our presence is well noticed and a herd of cows kindly joins us along the way. If we wish so, we can continue on to Fenêtre alpine bowl where we may see the king of the area, the ibex. We spend the night at the hut. No access to your luggage.Up : 600 m Day 2 : ALTA VIA N°2 Our trail gradually climbs along the glacier haute route until refuge Mario Bezzi, a magnificent example of mountain architecture. Then we continue until Saint Martin Lake, just above Mount Vaudet. We stop at the hut on the way down and later on descend to the hamlet of Surrier. After a 45-mn transfer we arrive in Val de Rhêmes. We stay in a hotel in Rhêmes Notre Dame.Up : 700 m / Down : 1200 m Day 3 : TOUR DU TRUC DE TSANTELEINA Our hike starts at Thumel, the hamlet that marks the end of the road, deep into the Gran Paradiso National Park. First a wide trail leads to a beautiful alpine valley. We hike to Benevolo hut and continue up into a “cul de sac” alpine valley. Hiking around Mount Truc de Tsanteleina provides merely spectacular view : it seems we can touch the ice of the glaciers, or just about… The vertical wall of the Granta Parei (11 110ft) proudly stands In front of us. Night at rifugio Benevolo. No access to your luggage.Up : 850 m / Down : 250 m

Day 4 : COL DE LA NIVOLETTA (3152m) We are on our way to Nivoletta pass. The hike enters a large, ancient glacier cirque, where the fertile alpine lawn and its multiple bright-coloured flowers contrast with the dark slate scree of the steep hillsides. Glaciers are nearby and enlighten the panorama still. The hike over the pass is superb, offering more unforgettable mountain views to our eyes. Then we hike down to the hut and later on to our minivan. We transfer to Valsavarenche and to the village of Pont. We spend the night at the Tétras-Lyre mountain inn.Up : 850 m / Down : 1100 m

Day 5 : LE GRAND COLLETFrom Pont, the trail towards Gran Collet pass is steep and steady. Towards the East we can admire the Gran Paradiso massif. Looking to the West, landscapes are less rugged yet higher and dryer. A short downhill section takes us below the pass. We cut across alpine meadows and glacier polished rock slabs, looking for grazing chamois. The Park’s wilderness is striking by its beauty, showing untouched alpine nature at its best. Night at rifugio Savoia. No access to your luggage.Up : 1000 m / Down : 350 m

Day 6 : LES LACS D'ALTITUDE For our last day, we hike to the great Rosset Lakes, then Tre Becci lakes and finally reach Lac Noir (Black Lake) on the altiplano. Then a secret trail leads to the hidden alpine bowl of Plan Borgnoz, where we simply enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains. We finally hike down to Pont and meet our minivan. We transfer back to Chamonix later in the afternoon.Up : 300 m / Down : 1200 m

WHY CHOOSE COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES :- An all-inclusive product- Only 5 to 8 people per group and mountain leader- Carefully selected accommodation- We prepare lunch packs with local products- A minibus “Cie” dedicated to our group all along the trek

LEVEL : 3/5 - Family hiking in Gran Paradiso is a moderate trek. A minimum of 700m (2350ft) vertical gain and about 5 to 7 hours of hiking daily. Hiking on generally well-maintained mountain trails, sometimes including easy out-of-trail sections. For active people who don’t mind training to prepare for the hike. A great multiday hike for people with trekking experience. 9 years old minimum age recommended.

ACCOMMODATION : 1 night in a hotel (double room), and 4 nights in mountain hut (in dormitory). No access to your luggage on Day 1, 3, and 5.

GUIDING : Each mountain leader guides groups of 8 people maximum. For maximum safety and quality guiding, a second mountain leader joins the group at 9 people.

MEETING PLACE : 8.30am at the Compagnie des Guides in Chamonix on Day 1. You are welcome to come and meet your guide the evening before at our office at 6 pm.

INSURANCE : Our mountain leaders are self-employed professionals, and therefore covered under a liability insurance via the French Mountain Leaders Association (SNAM). As a tour operator, the Compagnie des Guides is also covered under a tour operator liability insurance contract (MMA IARD). Repatriation and cancellation insurance are available from our office. Repatriation insurance is mandatory. We strongly recommend the purchase of cancellation insurance.

TRAINING : Good physical condition will allow you to make the most of your holiday. A month before the hike at least, we suggest you walk upstairs, rather than use the elevator. During the weekends you can run, walk or ride your bike to train for the hike. Doing a medical check-up before signing for the trip is recommended. Your guide should be informed of any medical treatment.

CLIMATE : Alpine weather can change suddenly, involving wide temperature variations. Temperatures also drop with altitude, and snow falls in summer are not rare. A high pressure moving in can also bring in cool air. You should anyhow bring warm clothes and be prepared for cold or very hot weather, while minimizing additional weight gain.

Please, feel free to contact Anaïs at the Compagnie des Guides for further information.

You are a private group, you can ask for a customized trip, and have your own guide !

ADVANTAGES :

- Exclusive guideA more individualized relationship between your group and the professional.

- Choose your date of departureYou can choose your date of departure within the limit of the hut availabilities.

- Flexibility all along the tripDepending on weather conditions, your level and your expectations, the guide can suggest you some different options of itinerary.